Drill Heads Not Oil!

So now we get to see how smart Americans really are.

Gas prices have come back down over the past month. Now some say it was the government while others say it was demand and consumption went down. Rather than argue over who is right (the government never tells the truth anyway, but one more time let's give them some benefit of the doubt), let's assume it was a combination of both.

So just looking at the consumption piece, here's what it means................... We used less oil to get things done. We filled our cars when needed. We stayed closer to home. We did not make unnecessary trips. Our life did not come to an end.

So as you can see we don't need to drill Alaska, we need to drill the above fact into people's heads.

A phrase heard in the hallways of many companies today is "do more with less." How encouraging! The people who have come up with that line should be shot. The people who are reverberating those words throughout the organization need to have their dirt smudged window offices taken away from them. Do More With Less? What kind of stupidity is that? How about "get creativc and do more with what you have?"

As your resources get cut and taken away, how can you do more with what you have? That's the drilling that is needed!

I'm taking my bike to the beach today, not my car.

So I Paid Double. That's Not Why I Showed Up.

Had dinner with seven colleagues last night; the purpose was to discuss Public Relations and working/partnering with the media.

It was a typical "networking" evening; some people willing to give information and others hoping to get lots of information while not contributing a whole lot. At points, some people were tuning themselves out; some were tuning others out.

Well I never saw such chaos when the bill came. Should we ask for separate checks? Who should pay for what? Should this one pay more? He didn't drink? She drank like a fish! I drank too much, let me pay for more.

Just split the damn thing 8 ways!

We're professionals; business owners. If I pay more than I should, so what. I was not there for dinner, I was there for the advice, friendship, guidance, sharing and idea generation that this dinner event was offering - which I did receive. Thanks Jerry, Bonnie, Ronnie, Robin, Noreen, Juan and Alice! So I probably paid double my meal value; it was my choice not to drink. (I can't stand wine anyway) I walked away with a great idea, an idea that could be a lot of fun, offer a needed solution to my market and most likely earn me a "few" bucks more than dinner cost. Is that worth an extra $10, $20, $50, $100?

But it reminded me of a dinner event years ago with 9 women - it was a salad bar. When the check came the chatter about who drank what (coffee/soda was not included) was getting insane. I was seated next to a woman named Phyllis. Phyllis was a feisty sixty-something who was a no-nonsense type of woman - I loved her. Phyllis turns to me and she says "this is why I don't go to dinner with a group of women." I just laughed as I have seen men do the same thing, but felt it was my obligation to protect the male species. Phyllis takes $20 from me and $20 from Lori, who was seated on her other side. She tosses $60 down the end of the table and tells the group to have a ball fighting over the bill. The three of us got up and left. Twenty minutes later we were in the parking lot talking and laughing - we think the bill was still being discussed inside, or perhaps their disgust with us.

Why do you gather with people? For friendship? networking? information? camaraderie? ideas? Or to fight over a few bucks?

--------------------------------------------
Friend or Colleague's birthday coming up? The Only Self-Help Book You'll Ever Need might be that fun thought provoking gift they need.

An Easy Way To Be Reminded Of Your Past! But A Good Reason You Should Search It Out.

Okay, this is kinda cool............. Last week I finally offered myself to the world on Facebook. I've had a presence on LinkedIn, but after a short time there I realize it is not social networking; business networking yes, but not social networking; and I still do not know of many people who can trace business back to LinkedIn. Do you?

So I post my Facebook page. I allow Facebook to read my personal database to find people already Facebooked. Not many. Or maybe I know the wrong people? Maybe I'm not connected to the "in" crowd; only the LinkedIn crowd?

But it seems that Vinny was Facebooked and he found me. I received a message from Vinny almost immediately after signing up. Now the question becomes does Vinny spend way too much time on Facebook or was it meant to be????

Vinny and I went to high school together; he was one year ahead of me; sat near each other in calculus. He still looks the same. Sucks when some people don't age. Although maybe he is posting a picture from high school like people do on dating sites; not that I would know. That night Vinny sees Kenny at his photography exhibit; (you can check out Vinny's stuff here: http://vrod62.blogspot.com/.) Kenny was a great friend in high school, an usher in my wedding, my FBLA partner; but we all know how things go; people lose touch over time.

So now Kenny contacts me - the bastard still has his hair; although it is graying. Bald or gray? Which would you rather be? Let me know. Two days later Kenny sees a haunting from my past - Dave; or as we used to call him - Guido. Now Dave and I are back in touch.

In the matter of three days I am back in touch with three people who I actually liked; and will hopefully see in the near future.

But what does this have to do with anything? I think at times we forget not only how the past shaped us, but who in our past shaped us.

So today I blame Vinny, Kenny and Dave for being a part of my refreshing sarcasm, playful attitude, and irreverence. Thanks boys. My audiences thank you too.

And for the rest of you............go get a presence on Facebook. I'll be your friend, but it is very cool to see who in your past might come back to haunt you.

-----------------
Planning a meeting or conference? Include Rich. Visit http://richdigirolamo.com/

The View from Third Shift

Third Shift. Most avoid it. Many spend years working their way off of it. Yet there is one person who loves third shift.......................................

The other day I met Steve. Steve is a third shift worker. He works with the handicapped. And has he put it to me the other day, he spends his night changing diapers.

Now while some reading this might think his comment is horrible, let me offer some perspective. I have had the opportunity to speak to Fortune 10 Corporations, small businesses of 20 employees, and everything in between. If you ever need some perspective, live a day in the life of a health care or health and human services provider. Now I am in no way denouncing what employees of Fortune 10 companies do, but I would like to see them roll over a handicapped developmentally disabled person at 2:00 AM and change their diaper - yes literally change the diaper. So many people think they've got it tough. I don't know.

But here was my favorite part of the conversation. I asked Steve to come clean and really tell me why he stays on third shift all these years later when opportunities have been plentiful to work a more traditional workday. He said, "Rich, on third shift I don't have to worry about my handicapped co-workers, and making sure I am not part of the trouble they are forever getting themselves and others into."

Yikes! But perhaps true? Maybe third shift has its benefits?

------------------------
Return to home page

Are your employees looking at all that is right with their job or all that is wrong? Give them a dose of Rich. It's time to laugh at workplace craziness, not get crazier. Get in touch with Rich right now

How Not To Become A Rumor

Ever feel like you're just trying to save your reputation? Ever wonder not what people are saying about you, but why? Ever wish you could stop the rumor mill? Here's how I do it.......

Step 1: Be clear that your actions are always honest, sincere and understood.
Step 2: Never open your mouth in front of the nosiest person you can find. Never ask their thoughts on anything. Just say hello and let them do all the talking. Then tell them to have a nice day. Now this could be tough since I know there is an office or neighborhood gossip within earshot of you right now.
Step 3: Document all your actions for public release. Perhaps buy a billboard.
Step 4: Sit back and watch what happens; because no matter how much you try at some point in your life you will be part of a rumor.

Okay, so that is not exactly what I do. Although I have thought about the billboard. It is fact, at some point in our lives we all have had a negative label attached to us; we have all been a target or victim of a rumor. In my Permission to Speed program I address this issue and toss out the idea of finding out what we did to attain that label and the steps we can take to remove it.

Or you can take the other approach..............plot your revenge!

---------------------------
Could your next conference use a fun humorous presentation keynote presenter? Invite Rich to play with your group. The payback will be ENORMOUS!

How To Start A Rumor

Today I offer you a lesson in how to start a rumor.

Step 1: Observe or question something of which you are not certain.
Step 2: Find the nosiest person you can find and ask their thoughts on what you observed. I know there is an office or neighborhood gossip within earshot of you right now.
Step 3: Do not ask the person you observed what they did or what happened. I mean let's face it; that would be the right thing to do.
Step 4: Sit back and watch what happens

Try it today. Try it in your office. Try it at home. Try it at your next social or professional networking event. Try it with your neighbors.

It's amazing how many people are getting fired, overdosed on drugs, are cheating on their spouse, are alcoholics or gamblers, are not capable of maintaining a relationship, are stealing and not telling the truth. With all these terrible people amongst us, we should consider ourselves fortunate to be in the state that we are in.

The other night I watched a neighbor being loaded into an ambulance. I went over to see if I could do anything, like offer the family member a ride to the hospital. I also found out what was actually going on. You'd be shocked at what people had told me they heard by the next morning.

When asked what happened I suggested they go ask and get the real answer direct from the source; because that's how rumors otherwise get started.

Stay tuned until tomorrow; I'll be writing about how to not become a rumor.

Everyone should carry a mirror

I think at birth we should all be given a mirror; a mirror that we are to carry with us every day until the day I die. The mirror will have two purposes:

1. The first purpose is simple. Every time you are in the vicinity of someone who begins to criticize or critique someone or something it should be your obligation to take out that mirror and hold it up in front of that person's face; reminding him or her that he or she is not perfect and probably guilty of the same thing. Let's face it, you cannot all be Boss, Employee or Parent of the Year.
2. The second purpose is even simpler: To make sure you always look your best.

--------------------------------

Are people in your organization laughing at all that drives them crazy or getting even crazier? Unleash Rich on them for an hour. He'll get them laughing, thinking and working harder for you. Visit http://richdigirolamo.com today.

The Chinese even have restaurant waiting solved!

I've been in NYC the last two days; last night I had dinner with a friend who just happened to be in NY as well. I was craving Chinese food, so we headed to Chinatown. Lots of choices; not really sure which one was best; although it is Chinatown you would think they are all good. So we asked someone on the street which was their favorite. Green Bo.

People were waiting in the street to get in to Green Bo; which to me looked like a Chinese take-out with seats. They asked us how many. We told them two. They didn't want our name. About two minutes later we were summoned from the street and were told to be seated at a table for six. Ellen looked at them puzzled. They motioned with their hands to go sit down. We sat. Four people were seated with us. Two other couples. At first it was odd, but then I thought why not?

So there we were three couples having dinner separately but together and nobody seemed to mind.

Once again the Chinese are showing us how to run a business. I think I'll mention the idea to my friends who own a restaurant in CT. I'm sure the uptight clientele won't find it amusing, fun or acceptable.

Take Your Dog To Work Day

Everyday is Take Your Dogs To Work Day For Me - well every day I am not traveling.

And when I am not traveling I take some time out of my day to go have a bit of fun; to break the monotony; to rejuvenate my brain.

Here is what I did the other day......................



Did you enjoy this video? Tell others about it.


Special thanks to my colleague and friend Gail Hand for her amazing video abilities.

A lesson from Michael Phelps on Being A Success

Did you see Michael Phelps' reaction when he broke the record for most Gold Medals ever by an Olympian? Did you see it it? His reaction was amazing!

His reaction: He looked at the board displaying the results, took his cap and goggles off and stood in the pool catching his breath. That is it. He then got out of the pool and walked away. He had another race in less than an hour.

That was it. No jumping up and down. No screaming and yelling. No intervews. He walked away. He still had work to do.

And that is what I call "A SUCCESS"; not needing that pat on the back; not needing the recognition from your fans and peers; not needing recognition no matter how small or great your contribution.

To me the successful people in any organization are the ones who just keep delivering; they don't look for recognition and they don't sit around airing their list of accomplishments. They just continue to move forward getting the job done.

Michael Phelps got the job done yesterday; for his team, for his country and for himself. You would have never known it when he pulled off his cap and goggles and tossed them ever so gently up onto the pool deck.

---------------
Is your leadership team engaged in their work or engaged in making themselves look good? Give them some time with Rich. He promises it will be fun while they learn how to be great team members. Contact Rich Today

Self Help Groups??????

I don't get it......................

Why are there self-help groups? Shouldn't it be called group help groups?

If it is truly self-help, you wouldn't need a group; you only need yourself; which is why I wrote my book The Only Self-Help Book You'll Ever Need; to show people they don't need groups, expensive seminars and DVD/mp3 programs. They no longer need to buy hype and promises.

They need something much closer to home - themselves; that's all.

-----------------
Do you have your copy of Rich DiGirolamo's Only Self Help Book You'll Ever Need? It's a fun look at self-help with great thoughts and exercises to stimulate your thinking.

Everything was great except................

I was entertaining yesterday; professional colleagues. And it was an international event, as we had some colleagues from The Netherlands join us.

So Hans comes out of the bathroom and stops to talk to me in the kitchen. He is telling me what a lovely home I have, but this is killing the Feng Shui. This meaning my knife holder below:



I chuckled. This knife holder was a gift from a relative; and here is what I have found; people either like it or they are horrified. I think Hans liked it (and I really liked Hans and his lovely wife); I also saw the irony that he chose the word "killing"the Feng Shui.

But where was I and what was the point? Oh wait.................... Have you ever told someone they did a great job...........except? Has anyone ever given you a complement only to end with a criticism? Sucks, right?

Try using the word unusual? Hmmm......well that is unusual? I have found it does several things, removes any defensive attitude, creates for conversation, and keeps me out of trouble.

Unusual. Try incorporating it into your vocabulary next time you're about to criticize someone or something.

And speaking of Feng Shui and something unusual.......................

Do you have a home office? A friend/colleague of mine is offering to help you make that space someplace you look forward to being - and she is doing it for free. I bought Linda's services a few years ago and after doing a little Feng Shui of my office I had one of the most productive work periods in a long time. What she is offering is not about Feng Shui, but something much cooler - and again it is Free; so check out what Linda Varone is offering by clicking here. I am planning on being there!

Detailed instructions on bus riding

I don't often travel by bus, but in the past 3 months I have used the bus several times; it was more convenient than plane travel and not much longer in time. It also gave me a chance to catch up on some pleasure reading.

So pulling out of the Port Authority yesterday the bus driver gave us what I thought at one point was going to be a keynote address. Now basically he told us the following:

• What time to expect arriving at our locations; and reminded us that he had no control over the weather or traffic
• Stay off the damn cell phone unless it is an emergency
• If it is too hot or too cold let him know and we will operate as a democracy and take a vote to determine what to do
• How to use the lavatory so as not to fall down into the tank
• He encouraged us to commandeer the seat next to us as the bus was only half-full

Was this really happening?

Here I was on a bus ride, being told what to expect from my ride and how to enhance my experience. On a bus? Who would have thought I would have been given a five minute speech upon taking a seat on a bus?

Maybe some bigger businesses need to take a look at this enhancing the customer experience thing.

All in all it was a pleasurable ride. I ate my lunch and read a book - The Power of Nice.

My only suggestion.............. know your audience and use interpreters. It was apparent that many did not understand the cell phone use rule as I listened to phone calls in everything from Spanish to Jive. Yes, Jive. The last time I heard Jive was in one of those Airplane comedy movies.

------------

Looking to break the monotony at your next conference or meeting. Contact Rich to learn how he can reinforce your message while making it a fun experience for your audience.